Mineral Point tribune. (Mineral Point, Wis.) 1869-1938, 1887-02-24

home. And thus it goes through all
branches of trade"
The truthfulness of the foregoing as
sertiors is of wide application, and by no
means confined to Californians. 1t ep-
plies with almost equal force to the farm
ers of other and widely separated por-
tions of tAe country, east and west, north
and south, and notably to those of he
latter region, in some parts of which SO
much attention is given to cotton grow
ing that other valuable crops are almost
entirely neglected. Even in the New
England and Middle states very few
farmers grow one-half the variety of
products they could and should for their
own use, or that might be proftably mar
keted. Especially is this true in regard to
fruits, vegetables, etc, the general neg
lect of which by many cultiyators seems
unaccountable. The families of men who,
having suitable soil, IN favorable eli
mate, from year to year defer the plant
ing of fruit trees, and rarely, if ever,
raise any vegetables fit for table use, are
surely TO be Hittied on account of their
deprivation of what might be easily sup
piled, while the heads of such M
fortunate families should be liable
to indictment for neglecting to discharge,
their duty in the premises. Such hus-
bandmen must not only lack the true
spirit of progress, but be deficient in
knowledge and appreciation of the bene-
fits derivable from the cause indicated,
for il they realized how much of health
and comfort might emanate from the
frequent use of fruits and vegetables they
would certainly devote more attention to
their production for that purpose, to say
nothing of raising them for market,which
latter, it is needless to add, is a profitable
industry in many localities. BY the way,
it is surprising that so few farmers locat-
ed near cities and villages do not cult
vats small fruits and vegetables, and the
like for marketing. We're they to give
proper attep ton to this branch, growing
choice varieties, and sending to market in
good condition--assorted and in neat
boxes and attractive packages they
would soon find the business profitable.
But if the farmers of old long culti-
waited regions are derelict in growing
fruits and vegetables, as many of them
proverbially are, what shall be said OF
those occupying large and fertile farms
and plantations in the west and south,
those well-todo farmers and planters
who live on "hog and hominy' year in
and year out, without apparently the
least premonitory reluctance or twinge
of conscience? And is it still true, as it
was years ago, that in the west, as a rule,
corn, wheat and live stock are almost
solely depended upon and often only
one of thsse-while other, and for the
family, equally important products re-
=, tIa ,,4t, .,Ip ,tava
of the south have been wont to confne
Themselves 10 cotton, sugar and tobacco,
ignoring most other crops, and depend
ing chiefly upon the north for supplies
for family consumption. The graat
majority have not only neglected thu
culture of fruits and vegetables, even in
the most favorable localities for the pro-
ductisn, but also the cereal and other
crops necessary to their sustsnance, and
which they might easily raise. This has
been the custom for years, so long in
some sections it appears to have become
chronic and Interchangeable; and yet the
benefits of mixed husbandry are Mt last
coming TO be known and appreciated, as
its advantages have been clearly dem
oustrated oy masy intelligent and pro-
gressive cultiyators since "the late un-
pleRsantness." These advantages are
many, but they need not be mentioned
in this connection, as they will be readily
suggested to the intellig ent readers. This
adoption of an injudicious system of
mixed husbandry would no doubt prove
greatly beneficial to Numerous cultivators
in the west and south AYE, and in the
east and north, who now rely chiefly up
on one or two staples. Indeed, we con
tdently believe that it would be for TIE
peculiarly interest of 1.-THE great mass of
farmers throughout ths country to pro-
ducs greater variety.